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Marathon runners on the Lost Dutchman course

RACE EVENT

Marathon

26.2 Miles | 7:00 AM Start

View Course Map
Marathon runners on the Lost Dutchman course

About the Race

Held annually over MLK Day weekend near Gold Canyon and Apache Junction, Arizona, this event features a scenic, rolling, point-to-point course certified by USA Track & Field (AZ23001JOE) and eligible as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Registration is limited (just 400 marathon spots for 2027), with a start time of 7:00 a.m.

The minimum age is 14, and all entrants must finish within 6¼ hours. All marathon runners are transported by bus from the Rodeo Grounds to the start — no private vehicle drop-offs are allowed. Aid stations are placed every 2 miles for the first 20 miles, then every mile to the finish. Among the supplies: Lemon-Lime Gatorade (from mile 4 onward at alternating stations), GU Energy Gel (at miles 10 and 18), bananas at two stations, and port-a-johns at each station. Registration includes chip timing via Race Roster, and athletes receive a commemorative medal at the finish.

This is a well-supported small-race experience with strong volunteer involvement and beautiful desert surroundings, offering both serious competitors and fun runners a memorable day.

QUICK INFO

DISTANCE:
26.2 Miles
START ELEVATION:
2,330 ft
FINISH ELEVATION:
1,840 ft
NET DESCENT
490 ft
COURSE TYPE:
Point-to-Point
SURFACE:
Paved Roads

Sign up for the special 25th anniversary of the ldm and its events!

Register Now!
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Registration
Course
Transit
Packet Pickup
Aid Stations
Awards & Medals

Registration

Registration for the Lost Dutchman Marathon is available online through Race Roster or in person near race day, space permitting.

Limited to 400 Runners!

Race sells out every year — register early to secure your spot.

Early
$115
Through May 17, 2026
BEST VALUE
Tier 2
$125
May 18 – July 19, 2026
Tier 3
$130
July 20 – September 20, 2026
Tier 4
$135
September 21 – November 22, 2026
Tier 5
$145
November 23 – December 27, 2026
Tier 6
$155
December 28, 2026 – January 17, 2027

What's Included

  • Race Roster chip timing
  • Commemorative finisher medal
  • Long sleeve tech tee shirt
  • Bus transportation to start
  • Aid stations throughout course
  • Live runner tracking

Requirements & Policies

  • Minimum age: 14 years old
  • Time limit: 6¼ hours (strictly enforced)
  • No race day registration for marathon
  • No refunds or deferrals
USATF Certified Course
USATF Certified Course: AZ23001JOE
Official Boston Marathon Qualifier

Marathon Course

A scenic, rolling, point-to-point course beginning near Gold Canyon, AZ (30 miles east of Phoenix) with stunning views of the Superstition Mountains.

26.2
MILES
2,330'
START ELEV
1,840'
FINISH ELEV
490'
NET DROP
7:00
AM START
1

Miles 0–7: Desert Vistas

PERALTA ROAD

The marathon starts at the Lost Goldmine Trailhead. The first six miles are on a well-maintained, unpaved road through beautiful desert vistas with stunning views of the Superstition Mountains. Mile 7 is a newly paved four-lane boulevard.

2

Miles 8–15: Kings Ranch & Gold Canyon

ROLLING HILLS

Continue on US 60 for 1.5 miles, then turn north on Kings Ranch Road for a tour of the beautiful and historic Kings Ranch and Gold Canyon area. Rolling hills with majestic views of the Superstition Mountains rising from 2,000' to 5,000'.

3

Miles 16–20: Turnaround Point

MOUNTAIN VIEW RD

Return to US 60 at mile 15 and follow it to Mountain View Road. The course moves at a gradual incline toward the base of Superstition Mountain with a turnaround at mile 19.4. From there, elevation drops toward the finish.

Miles 21–26.2: The Final Push

FINISH LINE

Shortly after the turnaround you'll join half marathoners. Enjoy great views of Superstition Mountain as you run past spectators to the finish at Prospector Park!

‍

Transportation to Start

All marathon runners receive free bus transportation from the Rodeo Grounds to the start in Gold Canyon.

No private vehicle drop-offs allowed at the start line. All runners must take the bus.

Race Day Bus Schedule — Rodeo Grounds

4:30
AM
Bus Loading Begins
5:45
AM
Last Bus Departs
7:00
AM
Race Start!
Recommend arriving at Rodeo Grounds by 5:30 AM

Peralta Trails Elementary School (Drop-off Only)

5:20
AM
First Bus Departs
5:55
AM
Last Bus Departs
There is no return shuttle to Peralta Trails Elementary School. Have someone drop you off; do not leave your car.

Shuttle: Rodeo Grounds ↔ Prospector Park

5:00
AM
First Shuttle
All Day
Continuous Service
2:00
PM
Last Shuttle

Departure Location

Rodeo Grounds
Adjacent to Prospector Park
Apache Junction, AZ

View on Google Maps

Parking

FREE parking at Rodeo Grounds or Prospector Park.

Prospector Park is limited; overflow on Idaho Road and McKellips Road.

Start Line Amenities

Don's Club provides complimentary refreshments at the start area:

  • Hot coffee, hot chocolate, and tea
  • Breads and water
  • Ground mats for stretching and sitting
  • Warming fires
  • Warming bus in case of cold weather
  • Plenty of port-a-johns
Clear Plastic Bags Only: For security, only clear plastic bags are allowed on buses and in the drop-bag area. Use the clear plastic "goodie bag" from packet pickup. Non-clear bags will be turned away; spare clear bags are available at bus loading.
10-Minute Start Rule: You must cross the timing mat within 10 minutes of the gun or you will not receive a result and will not be eligible for an award.

Transportation Checklist

All runners MUST take the bus
Arrive early for transport time
Portable restrooms at start area
Clothing drop bags available
Clear plastic bags only on buses
You finish where you parked!

Packet Pick Up Schedule

Pick up your race packet at one of the following locations and times.

Thursday
JAN 14
2027

Road Runner Sports – Tempe

43 S McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281

3:00 PM – 7:00 PM View Map
Friday
JAN 15
2027

Road Runner Sports – Tempe

43 S McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281

11:00 AM – 6:30 PM View Map
Saturday
JAN 16
EXPO DAY

Multi-Generational Center

1035 N. Idaho Rd., Apache Junction, AZ

8:00 AM – 3:00 PM View Map
2-Mile Fun Run/Walk starts 9:30 AM from this location
NO Race Day Pickup for Marathon

Marathon runners MUST pick up race packets Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. There is no day-of-race packet pickup for the full marathon.

What's In Your Packet

  • Race bib with Race Roster timing chip
  • Safety pins
  • Long sleeve tech tee shirt
  • Race information sheet

Pickup Requirements

  • Photo ID required
  • Someone else may pick up for you
  • Race packets will NOT be mailed

Aid Stations & Course Support

Well-stocked aid stations throughout the entire race, staffed by tremendous volunteers.

Aid Station Locations

MILES 2–20
Every 2 Miles
Miles 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20
MILES 20–FINISH
Every 1 Mile
Miles 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 + Finish
Water
All stations
Gatorade
From mile 4+
Bananas
2 stations
GU Energy
Miles 10 & 19

Medical & Facilities

  • Port-a-johns near every aid station
  • Medical support on course
  • Course marshals available

Volunteer Support

  • Enthusiastic encouragement
  • Efficient aid station service
  • Course marshaling & safety

Good to Know

Personal Hydration: You may carry your own, though comprehensive support is provided.
Clothing Drop Bags: Your goodie bag IS your drop bag — mark it with your bib number. The last bus transports drop bags to the basketball courts at Prospector Park, where they will be available for pickup near the food station after you finish. Use only the clear plastic goodie bag from packet pickup.

Awards & Medals

Every finisher receives a commemorative medal, with awards for top performers in all age groups.

Finisher Medal

All marathon finishers receive a beautiful commemorative medal. Custom-designed with the iconic Superstition Mountains theme — unique design each year!

Age Group Awards

Awards will be presented to the top 3 male and female finishers in each age group.

14-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80+

Course Record Prize Money

$500
Open Course Record (M/F)
$250
Masters Course Record (M/F)

Awards Ceremony

  • Held as soon as results are available
  • Location: Prospector Park finish area
  • Pick up award before leaving if possible

Unclaimed Awards

  • Pick up Mon Feb 16: 8 AM – 2 PM
  • Or any time through Fri Mar 6
  • Location: Multi-Generational Center
  • After Mar 6: donated to charity

Boston Marathon Qualifier

Many finishers achieve Boston qualifying times and personal records on this USATF certified course every year!